Game Apparatus For One Or More Persons

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a game apparatus for one or more persons. The game apparatus is characterized in that it comprises an enclosed game surface; at least one game unit that can be moved over the enclosed game surface, on which unit, at least, one player can take place and means designed for reducing the friction between the game surface and the game unit moveable over it. The game unit may be an air cushion vehicle and the enclosed game surface may comprise interaction means similar to a pinball machine. RFID may be used to identify the game units. The action of the interaction means may be dependent on the game unit identification.

The invention relates to a game apparatus for one or more persons.

Game apparatuses for playing a game for one or more persons are known inall sorts of designs and uses. Known examples are, for instance, the useof pinball machines or table football tables or table tennis tables,wherein several players can play an amusement game against each other orwith each other. The very object of the invention is to provide a novelgame apparatus for one or more persons, whereby the person activelyparticipates in the game but, above all, forms part of the game.

In accordance with the invention, to this end, the game apparatus ischaracterized in that it comprises an enclosed game surface; at leastone game unit movable over the enclosed game surface, on which unit atleast one player can be seated, and means designed for reducing thefriction between the game surface and the game unit to be moved over it.

With this embodiment, an interactive game concept is designed whereinthe player or players himself/themselves actively participate in thegame, which improves the perception and pleasure in the gameconsiderably.

With a specific embodiment, the friction reducing means comprise a largenumber of openings in the game surface, and pressure means for feeding apressurized medium through the openings. In this manner, with the aid ofthe game unit, a player can move himself in a frictionless manner overthe game surface, thereby rendering the perception of the gameattractive but, most of all, random with respect to direction andinteraction.

With a further embodiment, under the game surface, at least one pressurespace is present that extends under the game surface and can bepressurized by the pressure means with the aid of the medium. In orderto modularly extend and/or enlarge the game surface, in a specialembodiment, the game surface can be composed of several sections thatcan be coupled to each other, while each section is built up from apartial game surface with one or more partial pressure spaces extendingtherebeneath. A section can cover, for instance, four neighbouringsquares as shown in FIG. 1, which four squares form a larger square.

More particularly, the openings are closable to thus render theconsumption of the pressurized medium as efficient as possible. In thismanner, also, the effectiveness of the friction reducing means isenhanced.

More specifically, with one embodiment hereof, on the pressure spaceside is provided, around each opening, a chamber that can beflowed-through by the pressurized medium, in which chamber a sphericalelement can be received that can close off the opening under influenceof the pressurized medium. Here, the chamber that can be flowed-throughby the pressurized medium is composed as an upright edge extendingaround the opening.

In this manner, an effective use of the pressurized medium can be made,without too large a loss of unused pressurized medium, so that gameperception and the interaction of the game unit with the player placedthereon are considerably enhanced.

More specifically, with one embodiment, the diameter of the opening issmaller than the diameter of the spherical closing element. Here, theimproved functionality and/or interaction between the game unit and thegame surface and the functionality of the friction reducing means isfurther enhanced in that, under the influence of the pressurized medium,the spherical closing element reaches partly through the opening, as faras the surface formed by the game surface.

In a specific embodiment, a game unit comprises a flat supporting platewhich bears on the game surface. Here, on the supporting plate, at leastone seat for at least one player is arranged, and further, for theprotection of the player present on the game unit, a frameworkfunctioning as a screen for the player is fastened to the supportingplate.

For the purpose of a further, more interactive game perception, the gameapparatus comprises interaction means that can be arranged in theenclosed game surface, which interaction means are designed forinfluencing the movement of the game unit over the game surface.

In this manner, movement of the game unit with the player placed thereoncan be influenced randomly, thereby rendering the game perception moreattractive.

With specific exemplary embodiments, the interaction means are fixedlyarranged in the enclosed game surface, or the interaction means aremovable over the enclosed game surface.

Optionally, the game interaction means can form part of the game unit,while, in a specific embodiment, the interaction means comprise at leastone elastic or resilient contact element, or the interaction meanscomprise at least one extension element that can be actuated.

The above-mentioned exemplary embodiments influence the movement of thegame unit over the game surface in an efficient but, above all, random,and hence attractive, manner, and, accordingly, influence the gameperception of the player.

With a specific embodiment, this is characterized in that the extensionelement forms part of a piston/cylinder combination, while theinteraction means may be designed as an upright edge surrounding thegame surface.

For influencing the movement of the game unit over the game surface, theapparatus may further be designed such that the enclosed game surface isat an angle to the horizontal, while, optionally, the angle ofinclination is adjustable.

The invention will be explained in further detail on the basis of adrawing, while in the drawings, successively:

FIG. 1 shows a top plan view of a first embodiment of a game apparatusaccording to the invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B show cross-sections of different embodiments of a gameapparatus as shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A-3C show various partial views of a game apparatus according tothe invention;

FIG. 4A shows a first embodiment of a game unit for use in a gameapparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 4B shows a second embodiment of game unit for use in a gameapparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a still further partial aspect of a game apparatusaccording to the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a top plan view of a second embodiment of a game apparatusaccording to the invention;

FIG. 7 a shows a cross-section of a possible embodiment of aninteraction means according to the invention before it is activated;

FIG. 7 b shows the interaction means according to FIG. 7 a in activatedcondition;

FIG. 7 c shows a top plan view of the interaction means according toFIG. 7 a, viewed in a direction of the arrow P in FIG. 7 a;

FIG. 8 a shows a top plan view of a different embodiment of a game unitaccording to the invention, viewed in a direction of the arrow R in FIG.8 b; and

FIG. 8 b shows a cross-section of the game unit according to FIG. 8 b.

For a better understanding of the invention, in the followingdescription of the drawings, the parts corresponding in the differentFigures are indicated with identical reference numerals.

In FIG. 1, schematically, a top plan view is shown of a game apparatusaccording to the invention.

The game apparatus 1 is formed by a game surface 2 that is enclosed bymeans of a screen or upright edge 1 a. Over the game surface 2, a gameunit 5 can be moved, on which game unit 5 one or more players can beseated. Hereinbelow, the game unit 5 will be explained in furtherdetail, but here it is, as yet, represented in a schematic manner. Gameapparatus 1 is equipped such that the game unit 5 and the player placedthereon can move randomly over the game surface 2, which random movementmakes the game interactive, and also influences the perception of andthe pleasure in the game in a positive manner.

In order to enable random, unexpected movements of the game unit overthe game surface 2, the game surface 2 is provided with frictionreducing means 3, which are schematically represented here. The frictionreducing means 3 are provided in the game surface 2 in a manner suchthat they form a raster, which, for a proper understanding of theinvention, is schematically represented on the basis of the raster lines3 a, 3 b, respectively. Here, it is noted that the friction reducingmeans 3 are present on each intersection of the raster lines 3 a and 3b.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the game surface 2 comprises aline-up position 2 a where, before the start of the game, one or moregame units 5 are arranged and are set in motion with the aid ofintroducing means 6 to be explained hereinbelow, whereupon they canenter the game surface 2.

In order to influence the movement of the game unit 5 in the gamesurface 2, at different locations in the game surface, interaction means4 a 4 b 4 c are arranged. These interaction means are provided indifferent embodiments in (on or above) the game surface and willhereinbelow be described in further detail. More specifically, theinteraction means 4 c are of a static nature, as they function only as arebound surface, for changing the direction of the game unit 5 at themoment it contacts the interaction means.

In other embodiments, the interaction means 4 a-4 b are of active designand arranged fixedly or movably in (on or above) the game surface.

For an effective influence on and/or interaction with the movement ofthe game unit 5 over the game surface 2, the interaction means 4 a-4 ccan be provided with at least one elastic or resilient contact element.In this manner, the interaction between the game unit 5 (and the playersmoved on it) and the interaction means is not experienced as bumpy,which influences the game perception in a positive manner.

In the exemplary embodiments 4 a and 4 b, the interaction means cancomprise at least one extension element that can be actuated, which canbe actively brought against the game unit 5 and thus actively influencesthe speed, but also the direction of the game unit 5 over the gamesurface 2. This too enhances the game perception as a result of thisinteractive form of play.

The object of the game is to maintain the game unit 5 for a specificperiod of time in the game surface 2, while its movement is influencedby the different interaction means 4 a-4 c. The game surface 2 isfurther provided with an exit 2 b, and at the moment the game unit 5(indicated here with 5″) leaves the game surface 2 via the exit 2 b, thegame is over for the respective player, and the game can be continuedwith another player who is introduced on the game unit 5 on the line-upposition 2 a on the game surface 2.

In the FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, exemplary embodiments of the apparatus 1 asshown in FIG. 1 are shown in more detail, and, more specifically, theoperation of the friction reducing means.

As represented in FIG. 2 a, under the game surface 2, a pressure space 7is present extending under the entire game surface, which pressure space7 can be pressurized by a pressurized medium. To this end, the apparatus1 is also provided with pressure means 8, for instance a compressor orpump, which takes in air from outside the apparatus and pumps it, underpressure, to the pressure space 7.

On the other hand, in one embodiment (not represented), under the gamesurface 2, several contiguous pressure spaces 7 can extend, which can bepressurized, each separately, by a pressure unit, or are in pressureconnection to each other, so that one pressure unit 8 can suffice forrealizing the pressure build-up in the different pressure spaces. Thisoffers the possibility to modularly extend and/or enlarge the gamesurface, so that the game apparatus can be adjusted in a more versatilemanner to different game concepts.

With a different functional embodiment, the game surface 2 can becomposed from several sections that can be coupled to each other, whileeach section is built up from a partial game surface with one or morepartial pressure spaces extending therebeneath.

The game concept of the game apparatus according to the invention isdirected towards the game surface 2 being provided with a large numberof openings 30 which, as shown in FIG. 1, are provided in a raster inthe game surface 1 and are schematically represented in FIG. 1 by theintersections of the raster lines 3 a and 3 b.

With reference to FIGS. 3 a-3 c in combination with the FIGS. 2 a-2 b,the different openings 30 are closable by a spherical element 34 that isconfined thereto in a chamber 33 formed by an upright edge 31 arrangedaround the openings 30 provided with a formed-over confining edge).

Each chamber 33 is constructed such that, via a small opening 32, it isin open communication from the pressure chamber 7 with the outsideenvironment above the game surface 2, via the openings 30. In FIG. 3 a,the game apparatus 1 and, in particular, the friction reducing means 3are represented in a condition of rest, so that, due to the absence ofany excess pressure in the pressure space 7 present under the gamesurface 2, the spherical elements 34 take up a lowest position in thechamber 33 under the influence of gravity.

If air is introduced (indicated with reference numerals 8 a) into thepressure space 7 by the pressure means 8 (compressor or pump), thepressurized medium will try to escape via the openings 32, the chamber33 and the openings 30. The escape of excess pressure from theseopenings is counteracted by the spherical elements 34 which—as shown inFIG. 3 b—are moved upwards by the excess pressure and close off theopenings 30. In this manner, the air built up under pressure in thepressure chamber 7 cannot escape.

The friction reducing means 3 are constructed in a manner such that ifthe game unit 5 comes to rest on the game surface 2, this will locally,i.e. at the location the game unit 5 contacts the game surface 2, pressthe spherical elements 34 against the excess pressure that prevails inthe pressure space 7 so that the pressurized medium can escape throughthe openings 30, via the opening 32, through the chamber 33, along thespherical elements 34. Owing to this phenomenon, the pressurized medium(air) will accumulate under the game unit 5, so that an air cushion orlayer of air 8 a′ is created, on which the game unit 5 comes to float.Optionally, the air can escape along the sides (indicated with referencenumeral 8 a″).

By arranging the game surface 2, in a preferred manner, and asrepresented in FIG. 2 b, at an angle a relative to the horizontal 10,the game unit 5 will move over the game surface 2 under the influence ofthis gravity component. Here, each time, locally, spherical elements 34will be pressed in, so that air can escape locally from the pressurespace 7 via the respective chamber 33 and the respective openings 30thus opened, for locally creating an air cushion on which the game unit5 comes to rest and/or float.

After the game unit 5 has been moved further under the influence of theair pressure prevailing in the pressure space 7, pressed-in sphericalelements 34 will be moved back by the air flow 8 a to the embodimentshown in FIG. 3 b, and thereby close off the opening 3. In this manner,only at the location where the game unit 5 rests on the game surface 2,and, accordingly, presses-in spherical elements 34, an air cushion iscreated by the air 8 a-8 a′-8 a″ escaping there, while elsewhere allopenings 30 are pressed-in by their corresponding spherical element 34so that thus, no pressure loss can occur.

The angular setting a can be adjusted by means of suitable angleadjusting means 9, for instance a re-setting, depending on the desiredgame perception and/or game interaction one desires to play with thegame apparatus 1 according to the invention.

In FIG. 4 a, schematically, a first embodiment is shown of a game unit 5as used in the game apparatus 1 according to the invention. Game unit 5is provided with a flat supporting plate which bears on the game surface2, on which plate at least one seat 52 is provided on which a player 60can be seated. In view of the nature of the game, the seat 52 isprovided with a so-called belt 53 the player 60 must use for reasons ofsafety. In order to further ensure the safety of the player 60, also, ascreen 51 functioning as cage construction can be provided on thesupporting plate 50.

Analogous to the interaction means 4 a and 4 b, the game unit 5 can alsobe provided with interaction means 40-40′, which can be operated and/oractuated by the player 60 with the aid of a control 45, as shown in FIG.4 a. In a different embodiment, the interaction means 40-40′ (or severalinteraction means) can be remotely actuated and adjusted by theaudience.

Analogously to the interaction means 4 a and 4 b, the interaction means40-40′ have at least one extension element 41-41′ that can be actuatedand that may further be provided with an elastic or resilient contactelement. Preferably, the extension element 41-41′ is mounted on an axle42-42′ which may form part of a piston cylinder combination 43-43′.Operating and/or actuating the extension element 41-41′ takes place onthe basis of, for instance, the control 45 which can be actuated by theplayer 60. The control 45 is then connected by means of signalconnections 44-44′ to the piston cylinder combination 43, 43′,respectively. However, it is also possible to have the reciprocalmovement of the interaction element and/or contact element 41-41′ takeplace in manners other than on the basis of a piston-cylindercombination.

It should be noted that the introducing means 6 and the interactionmeans 4 a-4 b, which are arranged actively and fixedly or movably in thegame surface 2, can be designed a similar manner as shown in FIG. 4.Here, it is noted that the interaction means 4 b as shown in FIG. 1 canbe provided with an extension element designed as a surface, as shown inFIG. 4 a.

In FIG. 4 b (with corresponding reference numerals) a second, morepassively designed game unit is shown, without the interaction means, aswas the case in the embodiment of FIG. 4 a. Here, a bucket seat is usedand a different cage construction as safety measure. Optionally, theplayer 60 may be provided with a remote control 45 for radiographicallyoperating, for instance, the interaction means 4 b near the exit 2 b ofthe game surface 2.

In FIG. 5, an embodiment of an interaction means is represented, asindicated in FIG. 1 by reference numeral 4 a. Here, the interactionmeans 4 a (indicated in FIG. 5 with 40″) have a circular form and, inthis embodiment, they are provided with four inwardly and outwardlymoveable extension elements 41 a″-41 d″, which are each mounted on oneor several supporting arms 42 a″-42 d″. The supporting arms 42 a″-42 d″can be slid in and out (see the double arrows in FIG. 5) with the aid ofan actuating unit 43″ which may comprise several piston-cylindercombinations. However, it is also noted here that the movement of thedifferent extension elements 41 a″-41 d″ can take place in differentmanners.

Although, in FIG. 5, an interaction means 40″ is shown, provided withfour segment-shaped extension elements, it is also possible to providesuch an interaction means with two, three or more than four extensionelements.

In general, the interaction means 40″ are to function autonomously,i.e., at the moment a game unit 5 contacts one of the extension elements41 a″-41 d″, the respective extension element bounces in briefly and isthen forced, under the influence of the actuating unit 43″, into anaccelerated movement outward. As a result, the impulse thus given to theextension element 41 a″-41 d″, is transmitted to the game unit 5, sothat this latter is, as it were, “launched” by the apparatus 1 over thegame surface 2, preferably in a different, random direction at adifferent, surprising speed.

Optionally, the different interaction means 4 a-4 b can be remotelyoperated by the audience present around the game surface 2 to thusinfluence the movement of the game unit 5 and the player presentthereon. In particular, the game interactions means 4 b near the exit 2b of the game surface 2 can be operated by the audience to thusfrustrate a premature exit of the game unit 5 (and the player placedthereon) from the game surface 2.

FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of game apparatus according to theinvention. Here, parts corresponding to FIG. 1 are provided with thesame reference numerals. In this example, the game apparatus is providedwith a first interaction means 4 b-1 and a first interaction means 4b-2. In this example, the first interaction means 4 b-1 and the firstinteraction means 4 b-2 are each designed as a flipper. To this end, inthis example, the first interaction means 4 b-1 is provided with acontact element 100 which is rotatable about a rotation axis 102. Thefirst interaction means 4 b-1 is further provided with a motor 104 formoving the contact element 100 to and fro about the rotation axis 102.In this manner, with the aid of the motor 104, through rotation aboutthe rotation axis 102, the contact element can be moved in the directionof the arrow 106 and be moved back in a direction opposite the directionof the arrow 106.

Completely analogously, the first interaction means 4 b-2 is providedwith a contact element 108 which is rotatable about a rotation axis 110with the aid of a motor 112 of the first interaction means 4 b-2. Withthe aid of the motor 112, the contact element 108 can be moved in thedirection of the arrow 114 and be moved back in a direction opposite tothe arrow 114. Thus, the first interaction means 4 b-1 and the firstinteraction means 4 b-2 are each designed as flippers. Through rotationof the contact element 100 about the rotation axis 102 and throughrotation of the contact element 108 about the rotation axis 110, adistance between free extremities of the contact elements 108 and 100can be reduced so that a game unit cannot leave the game surface via theexit 2 b and can even be propelled back.

For the interaction means 4 b-1 and 4 b-2 it therefore holds that theyare arranged above the game surface and that they are each designed forinfluencing, in a controllable manner, the movement of at least one gameunit by applying a force to the at least one game unit.

In this example, it further holds that the game units 5-1, 5-2 and 5-3are each provided with operating means 116 for control, in this example,by a player of the game unit of the first interaction means 4 b-1 andthe first interaction means 4 b-2. Here, the operating means may beprovided with a button that can be pressed by a player. Here, theoperating means may further be provided with a transmitter fortransmitting an activating signal when the respective button is pressed.In this example, the first interaction means 4 b-1 is provided with aschematically indicated receiver 118, which, upon reception of theactivating signal, can drive the motor 104 so that a contact element 100is moved in the direction of the arrow 106. Completely analogously, thesecond interaction means 4 b-2 is provided with a receiver 120schematically indicated in the drawing, which receiver, upon receptionof the activating signal, can drive the motor 112 for moving the contactelement 108 in the direction of the arrow 114. Thus, for instance when auser of the game unit 5.2 is in danger of leaving the game via the exit2 b, he can operate his operating means 116 for activating the firstinteraction means 4 b-1 and 4 b-2. Then, the first interaction meanspropel the game unit 5-2 back into the game. After the first interactionmeans have moved in the direction of the arrow 106 or 114, respectively,they return to the position of rest as shown in FIG. 6.

However, in this example it further holds that the game apparatus isdesigned such that the first interaction means 4 b-1 and the firstinteraction means 4 b-2 can be operated by a player of the game unit5-1, 5-2 or 5-3 only when the respective game unit is present in apredetermined area of the game surface. In FIG. 6, this respective areais represented in hatching and indicated with reference numeral 122. Inthe area 122, for the sake of clarity, the raster 3 a is not indicated.As is clear from the drawing, the first interaction means 4 b-1 ispresent in predetermined area 122. The first interaction means 4 b-2 isalso present in the predetermined area 122.

More particularly, it holds in this example that the game apparatus isprovided with a plurality of game units 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3, which areeach provided with an identification code, while the game apparatus isfurther provided with detection means 124 for determining theidentification code of the respective game unit when this is at least ina predetermined detection area 126. In this example, the detection area126 coincides with the earlier mentioned area 122. In this example, eachgame unit is provided with an RFID-label 128 known per se, while in eachof these labels a unique identification code is stored. In this example,the detection means 124 are designed for generating an electromagneticinterrogation field in the detection area 126 for reading out theidentification code stored in the RFID-label with the aid of theelectromagnetic interrogation field. In this example, the detectionmeans 124 generate a control signal ĉ which is supplied to the receiver118 and 120 and which, furthermore, comprises information about thedetected unique identification code. When the operating means 116 of,for instance, the game unit 5-2 are activated, this activating meanstransmits the activating signal, which activating signal furthercomprises information about the unique identification code stored in theRFID-label of the game unit 5-2. To this end, this identification codecan also be stored in, for instance, the operating means 116. This allholds mutatis mutandis for the game unit 5-1 and 5-3, which, however,have their own unique identification code. The receivers 118 and 120 aredesigned such that they drive the motors 104 and 112 only when theinformation in the control signal ĉ about the identification codecoincides with the information about the identification code in thereceived activating signal. The effect hereof is that, upon reception ofan activating signal, the receivers 118 and 120 activate the motors 104and 112 only when the activating signal comes from a game unit presentin the detection area. The rationale behind this is that only a gameunit present in the detection area can activate the first interactionmeans 4 b-1 and 4 b-2 with the aid of its operating means 116. What isprevented in this manner is that for instance the game unit 5-1, presentoutside the detection area, through actuation of its operating means 116might actuate the first interaction means and thus unexpectedly hitanother game unit such as, in this example, for instance, the game unit5.2, and thereby influence its movement.

According to this embodiment of the invention it therefore holds thatthe game units are each provided with an identification code, the gameapparatus further being provided with detection means 124 fordetermining the identification code of a game unit when this is presentin the predetermined detection area of the game surface, while controlof at least one interaction means (in this example the first interactionmeans 4 b-1 and the first interaction means 4 b-2) depends on thedetection of an identification code.

In particular it therefore holds here that the game apparatus isdesigned such that the first interaction means 4 b-1 and the firstinteraction means 4 b-2 can be activated for influencing the movement ofa respective game unit of a plurality of game units present only whenthe operating means of the respective game unit are operated and whenthe identification code of the respective game unit is detected in thedetection area 126.

It therefore also holds that the game apparatus is designed such thatduring operation of the operating means of the respective game unit,this game unit provides information about the identification code of therespective game unit, the game apparatus being further designed foractivating the first interaction means 4 b-1 and 4 b-2 only when theinformation about an identification code provided during operation ofthe operating means of a game unit coincides with the identificationcode that is detected of a game unit present in the detection area.

The activating signal generated by the operating means can compriseinformation in a manner known per se about the identification codeassociated with a game unit of the operating means. This information canbe encrypted in the activating signal. The dimension of the transmittedactivating signal can, for instance, represent the identification codein an unambiguous manner. A modulation of the activating signal can alsorepresent this information. In this example, it further holds that thegame apparatus is designed such that the first interaction means 4 b-1and the first interaction means 4 b-2 can be activated for influencingthe respective game unit only when it furthermore holds that thedetected identification code coincides with at least a predeterminedidentification code. This latter may be realized in the followingmanner.

At the start of the game for a game unit, an identification code of thegame unit is entered by, for instance, an administrator of the gameapparatus into a schematically indicated computer 130. Hence, thecomputer 130 comprises a list of identification codes of games unitsthat are (or may be) in the game. When the identification means 124receives an identification code, it verifies whether the respectiveidentification code is stored in the computer 130. Only when this is thecase, it will transmit the activating signal ĉ to the receivers 118 and120. Therefore, if the identification code appears in the list of thecomputer 130, the first interaction means 4 b-1 and the firstinteraction means 4 b-2 can be activated by the operating means 116 ofthe respective game unit, if the respective game unit is present in thedetection area 126. The detection means 124 may wirelessly retrieve thelist of identification codes from the computer 130 in order to verifywhether the selected identification code appears in the list. When thegame-administrator decides that the game has stopped for, for instance,the game unit 5-2, he can remove the identification code of the gameunit 5-2 from the list of the computer 130. When, thereupon, the gameunit 5-2 enters into the detection area 126, and when a player wants toactivate the first interaction means 4 b-1 and 4 b-2 through operationof its operating means 116, while game unit 5-2 is present in thedetection area 126, the first interaction means 4 b-1 and the firstinteraction means 4 b-2 will not be activated. It is thus ensured thatthe game unit 5-2 will soon leave the game via the exit 2 b.

It is noted that, naturally, it is possible to arrange a detection means124.1 at the first interaction means 4 b-1, and to arrange anotherdetection means 124.2 at the first interaction means 4 b-2. In thatcase, the game apparatus is designed such that the first interactionmeans 4 b-1 or the first interaction means 4 b-2 can be operated by aplayer of the at least one game unit only when the at least one gameunit is within a predetermined distance from the first interaction means4 b-1 or within a predetermined distance from the interaction means 4b-2, respectively. These distances each determine a detection zone ofthe detection means 124.1 and 124.2, respectively, while these zones canpartly overlap.

In this example, the game apparatus is further provided with secondinteraction means 4 a-1, 4 a-2 and 4 a-3, which are each designed as apop bumper. In this example, the second interaction means 4 a-1, 4 a-2and 4 a-3 are of a type as will be discussed hereinafter on the basis ofFIGS. 7 a, 7 b and 7 c. It suffices here to note that each secondinteraction means is provided with at least one sensor designed fordetecting when a game unit touches the interaction means, while the gameapparatus is designed for activating the interaction means forinfluencing the movement of the game unit when this game unit isdetected by the sensor. Therefore, when a game unit collides with, forinstance, a second interaction means 4 a-1, this will be detected by thesensor of this interaction means, whereupon the interaction means isactivated for influencing the movement of the game unit colliding withit.

In particular it holds that the game apparatus is designed such that thesecond interaction means 4 a-1 can be activated for influencing themovement of the respective game unit of the plurality of game units onlywhen the identification code of the respective game unit is detected inat least a second predetermined detection area 132, and the detectedidentification code coincides with at least a predeterminedidentification code. The detection area of the second interaction means4 a-1 is represented in oblique hatching while, for the sake of clarity,the raster 3 a is not shown. In this example, this is realized in thatthe second interaction means 4 a-1 is provided with a detection means124′ of a type as described hereinabove. The detection means 124′transmits an electromagnetic interrogation field into the seconddetection area 132 indicated in hatching. When, for instance, the gameunit 5-1 enters the second detection area 132, the RFID-label 128 of thegame unit 5-1 can be read out with the aid of the detection means 124′.A detection means 124′ operates completely analogously to the detectionmeans 124 as described hereinabove. The detection means 124′ thereforeverifies whether the identification code it read out appears on the listof the computer 130. Only when this appears to be the case, thedetection means 124 generates a verification signal ĉ. When this sensordetects a collision with the game unit 5-1, and when, furthermore, thedetection means 124′ generates the verification signal, the secondinteraction means is activated for influencing the movement of the gameunit 5-1. When the respective identification code of the game unit 5-1does not appear in the list of the computer 130, this has as a resultthat when the game unit 5-1 collides with the second interaction means 4a-1, this is not activated in spite of the sensor of the secondinteraction means 4 a-1 detecting this collision. In this example, itholds that the second interaction means is present in the predeterminedsecond detection area 132.

In this example, the second interaction means 4 a-1, 4 a-2 and 4 a-3 areof similar design. The result is that when an identification code of,for instance, the game unit 5-1 is removed from the list of the computer130, its movement can no longer be influenced by the second interactionmeans 4 a-1, 4 a-2 and 4 a-3, which causes the respective game unit toquickly exit the game via the exit 2 b.

Also for the second interaction means 4 a-1, 4 a-2 and 4 a-3 it holdsthat, completely analogously to what is described hereinabove, they areeach provided with a contact element 100, a movement of which relativeto the game surface can be controlled, when the contact element is incontact with the at least one game unit, through movement of the contactelement relative to the game surface, for applying a force to therespective game unit. All this will be explained in further detail withreference to FIGS. 7 a, 7 b and 7 c. In that example, it holds that thecontact element 100 is provided with a horizontal, loop-shaped, uprightflexible sidewall 140 closed upon itself. Viewed in vertical direction(indicated in the drawing with the arrow V), the upright sidewall 140has a convex, curved outer surface so that the upright sidewall has theshape of a tire of a wheel. The interaction means 4 a-1 is furtherprovided with a lower frame 142 on which the upright sidewall rests andan upper frame 144 that rests on the upright sidewall. The interactionmeans 4 a-1 is further provided with a drivable actuator 146 for movingthe lower frame 142 and the upper frame 144 towards each other. When thelower frame and the upper frame are moved towards each other in thedirection of the arrows B1 and B2, the curvature of the outer surface ofthe upright sidewall will increase as can be clearly seen in FIG. 7 b.The actuator 146 may be designed as a hydraulic actuator. Therefore, itholds that a diameter d1 in a horizontal plane of the loop-shapedupright sidewall 140 increases upon increase of the curvature forinfluencing the movement of a game unit which is in contact with theoutside of the upright sidewall 140.

In this example, it further holds that the interaction means 4 a-1 isprovided with at least one sensor 148, designed for detecting when agame unit touches the upright wall. In this example, the sensor 148 isarranged at an inside of the upright sidewall 140 and concerns adisplacement transducer. The game apparatus is further designed foractivating the at least one actuator 146 for influencing the movement ofthe game unit when this game unit is detected by the sensor. To thisend, the interaction means 4 a-1 is provided with a control unit 150 towhich signals from the sensor 148 are fed. In this example, the controlunit 150 is designed such that it activates the activator 146 for movingthe lower frame 142 and the upper frame 144 towards each other when itis detected, with the aid of the sensor 148, upon collision of a gameunit with the upright sidewall 140, that the movement of the sidewall asa result of the collision, has stopped. The fact is that when a gameunit collides with the upright sidewall 140, it will be dented to aparticular maximum value. This denting, that is, the inward movement ofthe upright sidewall, stops when a maximum value of denting is achieved.This is the moment at which the activator 146 is to be activated forinfluencing the movement of the game unit by moving the lower frame andthe upper frame towards each other so that thus, the diameter d1increases rapidly, effecting the game unit to be pushed away from theinteraction means. The control unit 150 is thus designed for controllingthe activator 146 depending on the information about the movement of theupright sidewall 140 obtained with the aid of the sensor. Preferably,the interaction means 4 a-1 is provided with a plurality of such sensorswhich are arranged in a manner distributed along an inside of the wall140 and which are each connected to the control unit 150 for measuring acollision with a game unit along the entirely circumferential outsidesurface.

In this example, if further holds that the interaction means 4 a-1 canbe provided with detection means 124 of a type as described hereinabove.Once more, the detection means 124 is designed for generating anelectromagnetic interrogation field and, hence, reading out anidentification code from a label when this is in a detection areaassociated with the respective detection means 124. In this example, thedetection means 124 is further designed for verifying whether a read-outidentification code appears on a list of identification codes stored inthe computer 130. The detection means may retrieve the list wirelesslyfrom the computer 130 for carrying out the verification. When thisappears not to be the case while still, with the aid of the sensor 148,a movement of the upright sidewall 140 is measured, the control unit 150effects that the activator 146 is not activated. This happens only when,on the one hand, a collision with the game unit is measured with the aidof the sensor 148 and when, on the other hand, an identification code ofthis game unit is read out with the aid of the identification means 124of the RFID-label which appears in list of the computer 130.

Finally, in FIGS. 8 a and 8 b, a special embodiment of a game unit 5 isshown that can be used with each of the above-described gameapparatuses. The game unit is provided with a supporting plate 50 and abumper edge 152 extending around the supporting plate 50. On thesupporting plate are placed a plurality of seats 154-1, 154-2, 154-3,154-4. It holds in particular that on a supporting plate, at least threeseats are secured and more particularly, that on the supporting plate,at least four seats are secured. In this example, on the supportingplate, four seats are secured while each seat is designed to be used bya player.

The seats 154-1 and 154-2 are placed next to each other, while theplayers seated in these seats look in the same direction. Completelyanalogously, the seats 154-3 and 154-4 are placed next to each otherwith the players of these seats also looking in the same direction.Conversely, the seats 154-1 and 154-4 are placed back to back. It alsoholds that the seat 154-2 and the seat 154-3 are placed back to back. Aseating of the seat 154-1 is indicated with reference numeral 156-1. Aseating of the seat 154-2 is indicated with reference numeral 156-2.Completely analogously, the seatings 156-3 and 156-4 of the seats areindicated with reference numeral 154-3 and 154-4. The seats are furtherprovided with backs, indicated, for each of the seats, with referencenumeral 148. It further holds that a center of gravity of the seat 154-1is indicated with reference numeral 160-1. Completely analogously areindicated the centers of gravity 160-2, 160-3, 160-4 of the respectiveseatings 152-2, 156-3, 156-4. Further, in the drawing, a center ofgravity of the supporting plate 50 is indicated with reference numeral162. It holds that a distance h1 between the center of gravity 160-1 ofthe seat and the center of gravity 162 of the supporting plate is lessthan 50% of a minimum width b1 of the game surface measured through thecenter of gravity 162 of the game surface. In the example, the minimumwidth of the game surface, measured through the center of gravity of thegame surface, is indicated in the drawing with b1, is approximately 230cm. The distance h1 between the center of gravity 160-1 and the centerof gravity 162 is approximately equal to 46 cm. Therefore, the distanceh1 is less than 30% of the distance b1. An advantage of such a variantis that, in use, the supporting plate can remain completely free of thegame surface even though only one seat is taken. As all seats arelocated relatively close to the center of gravity of the supportingplate, the supporting plate has, in cooperation with the frictionreducing means, a great stability which is little dependent on thenumber of players present on the game unit. This is the case inparticular when the distance h1 is less than 30% of the distance d1.Still, the advantages mentioned can also be achieved, albeit to a lesserdegree, when the distance h is less than 50% and preferably less than40% of the diameter d1. Preferably, the distance h1 is less than 30% ofthe diameter d1.

In this example, it further holds that the distance h2 between thecenter of gravity 160-2 and the center of gravity 162 is equal to h1.Completely analogously it holds that the distance between the center ofgravity 160-3 and the center of gravity 162 is equal to h1. It alsoholds that the distance between the center of gravity 160-4 and thecenter of gravity 162 is equal to h1. Here, for the sake of clarity, thedistances h3 and h4 are not represented in the drawing. Further, thegame unit is provided for each seat with two operating means 116.

The invention is not limited in any manner to the embodiment outlinedhereinabove. For instance, the game units and the interaction means canhave shapes different than described hereinabove. The number of gameunits and the number of interaction means can also be varied per gameapparatus. Also, the identification codes mentioned can be determined ina different manner than with the aid of RFID-labels. RFID-labels can forinstance be replaced with an active transmitter and receiver apparatusthat responds by transmitting the identification code when this receivesthe electromagnetic interrogation field. Such variants are eachunderstood to fall within the framework of the invention as described inthe following claims.

1. A game apparatus for one or more persons, comprising an enclosed gamesurface; at least one game unit movable over the enclosed game surface,on which unit at least one player can be seated; and means for reducingthe friction between the game surface and the game unit moveable overit, wherein friction reducing means comprise a plurality of regularlyspaced openings in the game surface, and pressure means for feeding apressurized medium through the openings, wherein the openings are eachclosable by a spherical element, wherein in the closed position thespherical element extends above the game surface and wherein the atleast one game unit comprises a flat supporting plate which is adaptedto contact the spherical elements.
 2. (canceled)
 3. A game apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the game apparatus is designed for havingthe medium flow through the openings to the game surface.
 4. A gameapparatus according to claim 1, under the game surface, at least onepressure space is present, that can be pressurized by the pressure meanswith the aid of the medium.
 5. A game apparatus according to claim 3,wherein the game surface is composed of several sections that can becoupled to each other, while each section is built up from a partialgame surface with one or more partial pressure spaces extendingtherebeneath.
 6. (canceled)
 7. A game apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the game apparatus is provided per opening with closing meansfor closing off and releasing the openings again under the influence ofa game unit while the medium can flow through the opening if a closingmeans associated with the opening releases the opening.
 8. A gameapparatus according to claim 7, wherein an opening is closed off by theclosing means unless a game unit is present above the opening. 9-13.(canceled)
 14. A game apparatus according to at least claim 1, whereinon the supporting plate, at least one seat for at least one player issecured. 15-24. (canceled)
 25. A game apparatus according to claim 1wherein the game apparatus comprises interaction means that can bearranged in the enclosed game surface, which interaction means aredesigned for influencing the movement of the game unit over the gamesurface. 26-32. (canceled)
 33. A game apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the game apparatus is provided with at least one interactionmeans arranged on or above the game surface and which is designed forinfluencing, in a controllable manner, the movement of the at least onegame unit through application of a force to the at least one game unit.34. A game apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the at least onegame unit is provided with operating means for having a player of thegame unit control at least one first interaction means.
 35. A gameapparatus according to claim 34, wherein the game apparatus is designedsuch that at least the first interaction means can be operated by aplayer of the at least one game unit only when the at least one gameunit is present in a predetermined area of the game surface and whereinthe first interaction means is present in the predetermined area. 36-48.(canceled)
 49. A game apparatus according to claim 33, wherein at leastone interaction means is provided with a contact element, a movement ofwhich relative to the game surface can be controlled, when the contactelement is in contact with the at least one game unit, through movementof the contact element relative to the game surface, for applying aforce to the at least one game unit. 50-55. (canceled)
 56. A gameapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the enclosed game surface is atan angle of inclination to the horizontal.
 57. (canceled)
 58. A gameunit for use in a game apparatus according to claim
 1. 59. Aninteraction means for use in a game apparatus according to claim 1.